Miami Heat: Mission Possible

The 2011 NBA Finals have been both exciting and disappointing for Heat fans to this point. They began by losing Game 2 at home and later Games 4 and 5 in Dallas. Realistically, the Heat could have and should have beaten the Mavs in a 4 game sweep. The stats don’t lie.

Critics are pointing the finger at Lebron, but he is not the only one to blame. Look back at each game. How many times did Dirk or some other Mav get a guy in the air to draw a foul that resulted in a trip to the line for a freebie? Those freebies have been the difference makers at the end of the game (about a 10 point swing). Disciplined defense could have prevented those opportunities.

Lebron is one of the most explosive players in the league, but he has not exploded in these finals. With Game 6 on Sunday he has to step his game up in a major way. The Heat have had a chance to win every game but have allowed the Mavs to hang around. Anyone that knows anything about sports knows that is a recipe for disaster. Trading buckets won’t cut it. The Heat need stops and scoring consistency in the transition game. Lebron and others must cut back on the amount of jump shots they are taking and get to the basket more often in an attempt to put the Mav starters in foul trouble early in order to put the pressure on their bench to win the game. Getting in the bonus early will cause the defense to play with caution.

The Mavs utilize the zone to halt penetration and post ups, and their rotation has given the Miami guards fits. There are a couple of things that the Heat can do to combat this. First, they can set double picks on the guards up front. Why? Doing so frees up the ball handler and allows one screener to pop out and the other to cut toward the basket. This will create gaps in the zone. Second, create a more fluid attack. There is too much one-on-one and pitch-and-catch and my-turn-your-turn ball being played. Guys are jumping in the air to pass. Some of the Heat player’s body language suggests they either don’t know the offense or are subject to brain freeze in the crunch. That indecisiveness has lead to miscues and careless turnovers.

If Haslem is your guy when it comes to guarding Dirk, put him on an island and let him guard him. Everyone should man up and stop over pursuing the ball within the final 15 seconds of the shot clock. That is not the time to double. Yes, it works sometimes, but players and coaches make adjustments and count on a breakdown around that time. That’s why the Mavs get so many layups. If you intend to double team Dirk, do it while he is high on the floor to make him give up the ball or pick up his dribble. Once he passes, don’t allow him to get it back. Give the business to his teammates.

The Heat has a roster full of long range bombers. These guys have to be more consistent at knocking down these shots. Not only does it allow you to stretch the floor for drives, but it forces Dallas to play man defense. When the Mavs play man defense, they become victims of the pick and roll.

There seems to be a misconception about what roles are to be played by Heat players. At this time those roles will be addressed. Wade is the scoring threat and defensive stopper. He should take Kidd out of his game early with post-ups lockdown defense. Lebron is the secondary scorer, defensive stopper, and floor general. He is one of your best passers with the ability to put up big numbers and get to the basket. He must demand attention by lowering his shoulder and getting to the basket to create scoring opportunities from the line. This will force the Mavs to rely more on their bench. He is settling for too many jump shots and dribbles himself into last second miscues. The Heat stink in half court sets. Their strength is transition offense. The King must get off his high horse and shut down the guy he is guarding and force him to attempt to do the same on the other end. Haslem is your muscle on the boards and anchor on defense. He has been pretty consistent with his baseline jumper. He has to be more disciplined when guarding Dirk and do a better job blocking out and moving his feet to cut off the drive. Bosh is a scorer and a leaper. He is not a defensive threat, but his agility and athleticism can be key. All he has to do is be disciplined on defense and stay in front of his man. Blocking out is a key concern. On offense he really needs to knock down those jump shots around the free throw line in order to stretch the Mavs defense. Miller and Chambers must make three point shots consistently. That is your core recipe for winning. Everyone needs to be disciplined when blocking out, rebounding, helping and getting back on defense. Lastly, the Heat cannot afford to continue to bail shooters out by fouling. The Mavs average about 20 points from the line alone.

In closing the Miami Heat have a legitimate shot at winning the 2011 NBA Finals. In order to do so players must be disciplined on both ends of the floor. Foul shooting opportunities must increase. Trading baskets cannot be an option. The Heat will have to find a way to offset the Mavs by better utilizing their Big Three and its supporting cast. If these adjustments are made, the Heat will win it all.